Bravery awards for putting their lives on the line

DIVISION 1 Councillor Brett Moller puts his family’s pitch black rescue of a stranded motorist down to “human nature and empathy.”

In December 2018, Mr Moller swam out into a muddy swollen creek during torrential rain to find a stranded motorist clinging to an overhanging branch. His courageous act has been recognised with the bestowal of an Australian Bravery Award today.

“I think it’s nice to receive that sort of recognition but really the significance of the act was that the young Victorian was safe,” Mr Moller said.

“I’m really proud of my family, they all had a role to play. We came together and did what needed to be done.”

Mr Moller, his wife and daughters heard the woman crying for help after she drove her car into a swollen stream.

“Without hesitation, Mr Moller instructed his family to get torches and ropes and he entered the muddy, fast flowing water ... despite the strong current,” the citation reads.

Mr Moller said the award would remind his family of a shared experience.

“Human nature and compassion drives you to do what you have to,” he said on Tuesday.

Also to be awarded will be Cairns Senior Constable John William Dijkstra, who will receive a Commendation for Brave Conduct for rescuing a bus driver from Smiths Creek in September 2018.

Sen Const. Dijkstra received the Queensland Police Bravery Award in March for the same act. “It’s humbling but I think it’s an acknowledgment for all the work being done up here (by police),” he said at the time.

“A lot of it goes unrecognised.

“At the end of the day all you want to do is help this guy out.”